The SFO in November 2009 commenced a criminal investigation into an alleged Investment fraud operated by a Panama and Seychelles registered company Gilher Inc. The scheme attracted over £10 million of investors' funds from UK investors and expatriates living in Spain. The scheme collapsed in late 2009 with estimated losses to investors estimated at over £6 million.
Further to the investigation the SFO has charged 5 individuals with criminal offences of Fraud and Money Laundering as follows:
- John Neil Hirst (Date of birth: 11/03/1951) has been charged with Conspiracy to Defraud, making misleading statements contrary to s397(2) of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 and two counts of Money Laundering contrary to s327(1) and s328(1) of the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002.
- Richard John Pollett (Date of birth: 05/02/1942) has been charged with Conspiracy to Defraud and making misleading statements contrary to s397(2) of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000.
- Linda Christine Hirst (Date of birth: 24/10/1949) has been charged with 6 counts of money laundering contrary to s327(1) and s329(1) of the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002 together with one count of evading a liability by deception contrary to s2(1)(a) of the Theft Act 1978.
- Daniel James Hirst (Date of birth: 11/08/1976) has been charged with two offences of money laundering contrary to s328(1) and s329(1) of the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002.
- Zoë Waite (Date of birth: 19/09/1975) has been charged with one offence of money laundering contrary to s327(1) of the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002.
All five defendants are currently on bail. A trial has been listed for the 18 June 2012 before the Bradford Crown Court. All five defendants pleaded not guilty at a plea and case management hearing on the 27 January 2012. They all remain on bail.
Background information
The investigation began with a property search conducted in West Byfleet, West Surrey on 13 November 2009 following complaints made to the SFO by investors. Assistance has been provided by West Yorkshire and Surrey police forces and overseas law enforcement authorities.
Updates
Update as at 4 May 2012
On Friday 20 April 2012 there was a case management hearing at Bradford Crown Court to deal with pre-trial administration.
The case was adjourned for trial to start on 18 June 2012 before HHJ Durham-Hall and is expected to last six to eight weeks.
All five defendants have entered not guilty pleas and remain on bail.
Previous press releases:
13 November 2009: SFO search Surrey warehouse in investment probe
6 April 2011: Investment company director charged
27 July 2011: Ponzi suspect extradited from Spain
28 June 2011: Three more charged in relation to a 10 million pounds "Ponzi" scheme
Assets frozen
The Serious Fraud Office obtained on 1 December 2009 in the Central Criminal Court, Old Bailey, a world-wide restraint order that prohibits the disposal of assets held by named individuals. (Order made under section 41 of the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002)
Witness information
Witnesses who have provided statements may wish to look at our witness information available here: Being a witness in court. Witnesses are not expected to attend any hearings before the trial.
Contact point for investors in Gilher Inc
Investors who have not yet contacted the SFO can do so via a special online link to the case-dedicated questionnaire. Go to: https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/G5DLYPN
